The fundamental prerequisite is that the underlying population distribution must have a calculable mean (finite expected value). If the mean is undefined, the Central Limit Theorem cannot be applied, as demonstrated by the Cauchy distribution.
Conditions: The population distribution must possess a finite expected value.; The Cauchy distribution is cited as a counterexample lacking a mean.; This condition overrides the rule of thumb.
The fundamental prerequisite is that the underlying population distribution must have a calculable mean (finite expected value). If the mean is undefined, the Central Limit Theorem cannot be applied, as demonstrated by the Cauchy distribution.
Conditions: The population distribution must possess a finite expected value.; The Cauchy distribution is cited as a counterexample lacking a mean.; This condition overrides the rule of thumb.